Chaos at Chicago Airports: O'Hare and Midway Ranked Among Most Delayed!

Chaos at Chicago Airports: O'Hare and Midway Ranked Among Most Delayed!

As of November 11, 2025, air travel in the U.S. is facing significant disruptions, and travelers are feeling the consequences. Over 10,000 flights were delayed, and approximately 3,200 were canceled on November 9 alone, a clear reflection of both winter storms and the continuing impacts of the government shutdown. Chicago’s O’Hare and Midway airports have not escaped this chaos, as they are among the 40 airports nationwide affected by new flight restrictions implemented by the FAA, according to a recent report by Star Courier.

These delays are particularly troubling in light of recent analyses that rank airports based on their on-time performance. In July 2025, a study by SmartAsset, which draws data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, assessed 75 of the largest airports in the U.S. According to this analysis, O’Hare ranked poorly, coming in at 71st place with only 58.7% of incoming flights being timely and 69.2% for outgoing flights—resulting in an overall punctuality rate of just 64.4%. Meanwhile, Midway Airport fared slightly better but still only ranked 65th, with 61% of arriving flights and 70% of departing flights on time, bringing its overall punctuality rate to 65.5%.

The Challenges of Air Travel

Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) is voicing concerns about the ongoing staffing issues among air traffic controllers. In an increasingly tense political climate, Duckworth has criticized President Trump for threatening to dock the pay of controllers who have taken leave, highlighting that these individuals are prioritizing safety amid staffing shortages exacerbated by the current government shutdown. She deemed such actions “disgraceful and dangerous,” arguing that controllers should not be penalized for prioritizing public safety by abstaining from work due to illness.

In response, Trump has demanded that all air traffic controllers return to duty immediately, even proposing a $10,000 bonus for those who would not take any leave during the shutdown. Moreover, he expressed frustration over staff complaints, despite acknowledging that the affected workers would receive compensation soon.

The Path Forward

While the situation remains precarious, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has backed the president’s insistence on the necessity of returning to work, commending those controllers who have stayed on the job during these tumultuous times. This commitment to air traffic safety and operational stability is crucial, especially as a resolution to the shutdown is still being negotiated in Congress.

Duckworth has also been politically active, placing her vote against a measure meant to end the government shutdown. This decision put her at odds with a group of moderate Senate Democrats who recently supported an agreement allowing for an extension of government funding through January 2026. Importantly, this agreement includes provisions ensuring that federal workers, including air traffic controllers, will receive back pay for the duration of the shutdown, which began on October 1.

As travelers prepare for the holiday season, it’s clear that the air travel experience may continue to be marred by uncertainty and delay. Both travelers and airport officials alike are desperately hoping for a swift resolution to the current issues affecting flight schedules across the nation.